What REALLY Happened?! Unraveling the Actor's Heartbreaking Last Hours on the Set of "Cover Up"

“Music by Karl Casey” / “Music by White Bat Audio” @whitebataudio Consider Subscribing! ‪@tvsbesteps‬
-- Disastrous Eps --
"Golden Opportunity" (Cover Up)
Season 1, Episode 7
Airdate: November 3, 1984
Written by: Bob Shayne
Directed by: Sidney Hayers
Mac (Jon-Erik Hexum) and Dani (Jennifer O'Neill) are sent to help a man who went after the man who stole from a charity he runs. It seems that the town where the thief is in now, if filled with corrupt officials who arrest the man and made sure that the thief won't be extradited. So they have to stage a dangerous sting with Rick (Mykelti Williamson) to try and get the thief out of the town so he can be arrested.
[Note: During filming of this episode, Jon-Erik Hexum was killed.]
#rustshooting
#jonerikhexum
This video is an abridged excerpt from my podcast: "Dark Tube: TV's Wicked History - The Jon-Erik Hexum Story"
On Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
podcasts.apple....
darktubetvhist...
Music by:
Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
www.whitebatau...
Full List of Resources and Sources:
rentry.co/a5a36

[@billcatcher2701]

This is an incredibly well executed video describing the detailed timeline of events that lead to the 1984 death of Jon-Eric Hexum. However, all these decades later, it is still extremely sad to watch.

[@leonardolupini3484]

He lived down the road from my dad's house in Burbank, Ca. I recall him often driving past the house in his old Chrysler. Was so handsome. I was truly shocked when I heard he had died.

[@MsJourneyfan]

To this day, I still say Jon-Erik Hexum is the most physically beautiful man I've ever seen. It's still hard, nearly 40 years later to wrap my head around what happened him. So absolutely tragic for such a gifted young man to die so young, and from something so preventable. God bless his mom for donating his organs, corneas and skin. Jon-Erik has lived on in all the people whose lives he saved after his death. In my opinion, *THAT* is his legacy. Shine on, bright star 🌟❤

[@IrisesInTheSun]

He was physically so perfect and all my friends in college gathered around the TV each time "Cover Up" was due to be aired. His good looks were simply astounding. It was not surprising that he was selected to play the lead in Joan Collin's TV movie, "Making Of a Male Model." Personally, I watched the childish time travel series, "Voyagers" just to see him in action. His loved ones were really kind to donate his organs, after all, they were suffering such a terrible loss and going through such a tragic time.

[@a2diogenes99]

agreed- him and john f kennedy jr was one of the reasons i realized i was gay

[@binkyfaith]

Very handsome

[@dianabeurman364]

Totally agree! He was incredibly. Handsome

[@kaitlynrowena5463]

His skin?! Like all of it??

[@brendagraves6017]

I met him at Universal Studios one day and got a signed picture. We spoke for a few minutes and he was so sweet and kind. His passing really hit me hard.

[@mygodisyahweh8634]

Why ???? You didn't know him.

[@SPEEDPAINTER1]

I was there as well. Was it the fan event they had? Late summer 1984? Next to the Knight Rider Car photo spot? I met him, spoke to him, and took a picture with him. I was a huge Voyagers fan! It wasn't a daily event, so you and I must have been there on the same day!

[@SPEEDPAINTER1]

@@mygodisyahweh8634 It was a fan event. You know, like Comic Con where celebs sign autographs, take pictures. I was there that day as well.

[@lisawhitt788]

B quiet,, really? I didn't know Prince and I was bummed wen he died​@@mygodisyahweh8634

[@rollotomassi6374]

NEVER play with a gun, NEVER !

[@kellyvandijk3269]

Never get a gun.

[@alwynsmit3546]

​@@kellyvandijk3269yeah, so you can stand with your dick in your hand when you're getting robbed. Great advice, genius

[@adamkane7513]

Guns don't kill people... It's the bullets.

[@hantonoshi]

Exactly

[@Mysweetangelroom237]

​@@adamkane7513GUNS KILL PEOPLE!!!, SPECIALLY. GUNS IN THE HANDS OF STUPID PEOPLE. , SO DON'T BE STUPID !!!🤬🤬🤬

[@jomama5186]

NEVER. NEVER point a gun at yourself or anyone else !!! No matter what kind of bullets you think are in it, or not in it. This was so avoidable. Thank God they don't need to even use bullets today, with computer graphics, they shouldn't be using bullets at all !

[@KasumiKenshirou]

My grandma didn't allow my brother and I to point toy guns at each other. She didn't explain why, but looking back it was to avoid situations like this.

[@hantonoshi]

Exactly, same with knife too

[@peterroberts9900]

Tell that to Alec Baldwin.

[@stephen-wahl]

Tell that to Alec Baldwin

[@joelellis7035]

Yeah, sounds like Jon-Erik was goofing around, and like a lot of uninitiated around guns, thought blanks were simply all flash and no danger. In the military, they gave us a demonstration of what a blank cartridge could do. Placed the muzzle of an M-16 next to an orange and fired a blank. The orange was blown apart.

[@ralphholiman7401]

I learned when we were kids. We took a 12 gauge shotgun shell and emptied the shot out of it. We decided to fire it at the large plate glass widow in our rear bedroom. Even though we were a good five feet away, to scare another brother who was in the bedroom. The wadding blew a six inch hole in the glass and cracked it all around. We told our parents, who weren't home, that we had thown a brick through it and accepted our punishment, knowing the truth would have been a lot worse. But, we never forgot what that blank round did. When Hexum got killed, I remember thinking about that window.

[@christinas4528]

Jon-Erik's death was devastating. I knew him, because I was dear friends with his manager, Bob Lemond. Jon-Erik hadn't spent enough time as an actor to understand the corporate dark side. He was was legit a nice guy, and a decent person, Bob tried to protect him, but at that time, actors were basically pieces on a chess board, networks pulling all sorts of dangerous BS with little care or accountability to get products in the can. Jon-Erik was frustrated, and overextended. He trusted the network had his best interest. This is what can happen. Collateral damage. RIP J-E H

[@tvsbesteps]

Thank you for posting. For those interested, Bob Lemond was with Jon-Erik’s mother, Gretha, waiting for him to join them in Las Vegas when the incident occurred.

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

@@tvsbesteps That is so sad. But at least Jon-Erik's mother was not alone when she got word of her son's tragic shooting. This summation of the events that led to Hexum's death is so thorough. It answers so many questions I've had all these years since his death. Thank you for posting this excellent video.

[@safiremorningstar]

He was also not taught properly to handle a gun, I learned in high school from somebody who was a stuntman at Old Tucson OK he was an apprentice stuntman at Old Tucson, that you never put a gun to your head whether it is a toy gun or whether it is a prop gun makes no difference never put a gun to your head, the reason he gave was just in case one day when you are a little tired or whatever you accidentally take a real gun that is being used for you know it's a prop gun or what-have-you and you put it to your head and there's bullets inside inside of it... It's a safety issue, told me it was one of the first things he learned and that it's one of the things they try to teach actors who are going to be handling guns even prop guns and "mock" or "toy"guns as he put put it when it was a fake gun... I've tried to teach what I learned from him to every person learning to use a gun even two kids who are playing with toy guns the idea is if you start them young enough they learn a not to do it when they're old enough to know better... The idea being you treated with respect it's a weapon regardless of whether it is real or not one day it might be real you do not want them accidentally make a mistake you treat it with respect. As a person who works with a lot of different very dangerous tools I can tell you that I used to teach this to the kids that would one day grow up to become metal smooth or Carpenters I would teach them the same thing you don't mess around with a tool you don't play around with a tool a tool can be very dangerous and you must give it the respect its do... People don't realize that they didn't teach them then and they haven't talked to him since that when it comes to gun safety which is a tool that the safety part comes first and you never ever aim a gun or any other weapon any human being including yourself. I learned what I did before what happened to Jon-Erik hexum (side note I'm using voice-to-text because I'm so physically disabled that I can no longer write properly and I can't see properly so I use this) at the time when Jon-Erik hexum was dying for want of a better term analogy I was very ill so in fact that it was a question of whether I would live past a week, on the day that I recovered was the day that he died 18th of October... So I remember that day very very well.

[@joannethorne6555]

I remember this. God, I was so sad when he died. I had such a crush, even had a poster in my room. He had so much potential. What a tragedy. RIP

[@katemaloney4296]

It was really sad when the news came over the wite that he had passed. It was strange, but it was like everything felt weirdly sad for a minute.

[@matthewrogers6170]

Yeshewa Jesus, And His Father In Heaven Is GOD!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Amen, And Amen TRUE!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nadiasciandra7286]

​

[@terryjenkins1889]

Loved him, on the 1980's "The Voyagers" TV series. I hated that that series was short- lived. I really loved it. R.I.P. Mr. Hexum.

[@shawnatucker675]

Loved Voyagers too.

[@mlscott3831]

My favorite show as a kid

[@joelellis7035]

"Bat's breath!"

[@espritmike]

I loved that show. I had a girl at my middle school that was in an episode. Everybody watched it at school.

[@SIKE01]

i smiled when I saw a clip of THE VOYAGERS in the movie HALLOWEEN

[@MartaWomack]

Very sad. He was so young and full of promise. I hope his family has found some comfort & peace after his loss.

[@Tornado1994]

EG Daily, yes Elizabeth "Tommy Pickles" Daily used to be a Singer and Actress during the 80s. She wrote and recorded the song "Just For You" in 1985 for Jon Erik Hexum.

[@lisashelton3241]

​@@Tornado1994she was also in the movies Valley Girl, Dutch and Devil's Rejects

[@lisashelton3241]

​@@Tornado1994she was also in the movies Valley Girl, Dutch and Devil's Rejects

[@flora71146]

@@lisashelton3241don’t forget Pee Wee’s Big Adventure 😉

[@SIKE01]

his heartbroken mother passed away four years later to the month

[@Jaawsshhh]

My mom was so in love with him while she was pregnant with me. My name, Josh-Erik, was inspired after him when I was born in Dec 84. He had such a promising career ahead of him. Such a sad and tragic loss.

[@adamkane7513]

Shows how much respect & attraction she had for your actual Father.

[@Tornado1994]

EG Daily and him were STEADY. She and him had plans to marry in 1985. She took his Death really HARD. Paul Ruebens actually really helped console her on the Set of Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Daily was so Heartbroken by Hexum's death, that she didn't date for 3 years.

[@Jaawsshhh]

@@adamkane7513 He wasn’t my father lol sorry if that’s how it came across. My mom was just a die hard fan and was in love with him as a fan girl type of thing lol.

[@user-sb8yy6zj4q]

@@Jaawsshhh He meant your REAL father...The guy that had sex with your mother...that guy....Your mom named you after an actor she had the hots for, with ZERO relation to your actual dad....Was your dad in the picture or was she a SINGLE mother when she had you?......This is something women will do a lot btw when they fantasize, they will name their children names that remind them of FORMER boyfriends, crushes.....

[@LadyKC67]

@@Tornado1994that is incorrect. They were never going to marry, that was yet another lie she told the press after he died and was no longer here to defend himself. According to those close to him, he actually broke up with her several times and she just would not get the hint and leave. If you watch what she says in several interviews she can’t keep details straight from one to the next. I’ve heard she had drug issues, one of the reasons he wasn’t interested, he didn’t do them and couldn’t understand anyone who did. She did a one woman play where he is mentioned and the disrespect she showed him was unreal. I could go on with the stories of her but suffice it to say that whatever she says should be taken with a huge grain of salt. I run one of his fan sites so that’s where my knowledge comes from: speaking with his friends, coworkers and family. He was a lovely person. So beautiful, and he was even more so inside. Truly one of the good guys and it was genuine.

[@SheTheDee1971]

I was 13 years old when Jon-Erik Hexum died and I was very upset by it. I watched Cover-up religiously every week and had a massive crush on him. It was shocking that he was just gone in a heartbeat. It shows just how fragile life is and how a silly action that anyone could make can be utterly devastating.

[@monilaninetynine3811]

I was also 13, about to turn 14, when this happened and I was absolutely crushed.

[@Bastiondar]

I watched it as well. I was shocked not only that he died but how he died. I was 9 when it happened, and didn't really get the full picture until about 5 years ago. I thought it was so strange how they brought in a new actor at the time. I understand now that they wanted the show to go on, and folks had jobs, but as a kid it felt so wrong to see an actor replaced like that. I felt like he made that show.

[@standupphilosopher7059]

I collected everything that was John Erik Hexum I remember not doing a report and my mom threw everything away. Then he died I remember being so sad ❤️‍🩹 I had such a crush on him. Was it suicide I wonder😢

[@TheSonjaxfactor]

I was so shocked.

[@sherriforrester8599]

Same

[@wpeters4361]

I remember this...I had such a huge crush on him, with those beautiful blue eyes. His mother donated his organs, which I thought was a wonderful thing to do to honor her son.

[@ariel393939]

He was such a handsome man, I did like the show. The show was not the same without him.

[@rongendron8705]

At age 77, I remember this incident well, as my then teen-age daughter had a large poster of John- Eric Hexum on her bedroom wall! ! Hexum had a promising career ahead, but may have been unable to accept 'fame' at such a young age! In 1999, I actually met Jennifer O'Neill & because she had also been shot in an accidental shooting, I was reluctant to bring up either incident! R.I.P. John Eric!

[@jediwalker2010]

I’m 44-I was only 5 years old at the time, but I used to watch the show with my mom and she explained to me what happened. It was traumatic to learn what happened to him / why he wouldn’t be on the show anymore. I’ll never forget, and I hope his soul is at peace.

[@rongendron8705]

Hexum actually had another, short lived t.v. series, before "Cover-Up", i.e. "Voyagers", in 1982, which was quite good! Probably, this 26 yr. old would have had an amazing career, had he lived! He should be considered television's "James Dean"! Thanks for replying!@@jediwalker2010

[@ranc1977]

"because she had also been shot in an accidental shooting" What? What is going on here? A curse? Or gross negligence by TV corporations?

[@SY-ok2dq]

​@@ranc1977O'Neill wasn't shot on any T.V. production set. I think it might have happened on her ranch, can't remember the details. But I can't imagine what went through O'Neill's mind when it happened to her, considering how Hexum died.

[@ranc1977]

@@SY-ok2dq Interesting.

[@pamelastalnaker]

I loved watching Jon-Erik. I even considered naming my new born son after him. I’m so glad his organs were donated by his family. It has been almost 39 years since this happened.

[@katemaloney4296]

Unfortunately, his heart went to a drug addiction who, despite getting a second chance at life, kept using drugs--ultimately, destroying JEH's heart and killing himself.

[@sunni1ib691]

@@katemaloney4296 I have always been under the impression that organ donor recipients are kept anonymous. How do you know this?

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

@@katemaloney4296 You bring up a very good point about the way things used to be when recipients were given organ transplants. A coworker of mine in the late 1990s told me that people who get transplants have to promise that they will not use alcohol or illegal drugs after they get their transplant. This is because there are so many people on waiting lists who are going to die without transplants that an organ can't be wasted on someone who isn't serious about taking care of their health.

[@Cardamama]

I actually did name my first son after him in January 1990, unfortunately, he was stillborn at full term due to his cord around his neck.

[@tvsbesteps]

This is untrue. The man who got Jon-Erik’s heart was a single dad and Vietnam vet who had a heart condition. He didn’t use drugs or alcohol (or he wouldn’t have been a transplant candidate). He did get in trouble with the law later in life for tax evasion and running a call girl operation in Las Vegas. But he wasn’t a drug addict by any means.

[@sophiar6996]

He was the most gorgeous man that ever lived. I hope his family is ok.🥺😢💔

[@deerhoda7574]

His passing still makes me sad.God rest him.

[@cheleshows]

I remember every day of this. We were watching Entertainment Tonight, I believe Mary Hart made the announcement of Jon Erik Hexum having no brain activity. Everything was in slow motion, I looked at my dad as I started to cry and he was up & off the couch headed to me before I knew what was happening.

[@phillipgalan660]

He was going to be a superstar. There was nobody like him at the time. He left such an impression. It makes me feel someone got rid of him on purpose.

[@kev7161]

I don't think so. I think it was simply a case of an actor being careless and foolish. Obviously, nobody should put a gun to their head, no matter if there are blanks, real bullets, or even unloaded just to act silly.

[@termsofusepolice]

"Nobody like him"? Are you serious? He was one of a slew of die-cast, 80's TV-adventure hunks.

[@teptime]

Well...he certainly got all the looks, but not much in the way of common sense. It was a terribly unfortunate incident, but I don't agree that the world was robbed of a particularly stellar talent. In the ambit of network TV, he was passable enough, but I doubt he'd have had a future above the level of B action films.

[@sarahgriph4859]

I would not doubt it! Not only was he a complete Babe...he had depth...damn he was gorgeous!

[@phillipgalan660]

@@termsofusepolice you're wrong. Everyone else was small and thin. Like Parker Stevenson.

[@teehalewis6726]

He was drop dead gorgeous without question. It's such a shame that an unfortunate mistake would cost him his life. He was one of a kind. May he continue to rest in peace. Such a huge loss for a promising talent.

[@JFER3]

I was in middle school and wrote to his fan club. I got a reply in form of a picture post card of him and he signed the other side. I still have it to this day.

[@Jujajojen]

Thank you for remembering this beautiful soul. I often wondered does anyone remember him? Especially when I hear the son "Need a hero" I was a young wife and my husband who also now has passed enjoyed that series. God rest the soul of Jon-Erik

[@rebeccaclementz3756]

Everyone seems to think that "I need a hero" by Bonnie Tyler came from a movie soundtrack but I remember it from "Cover Up". I'm pretty sure Cover Up came first.

[@dionneappuhamyge25]

I have never heard of this actor, i saw the thumbnail and googled him and have to say he was such a handsome man. His eyes were so beautiful and piercing❤❤This is such a sad story. I am sure he would have made it big if he were still alive.

[@dragonfly1694]

We never got Cover-Up down under in Australia, but I was a big fan of Hexum's previous show 'Voyagers' with Meeno Peluce. There was a rumour in our national media coverage that told a false story that Hexum shot himself with the blank re-enacting the "Russian Roulette" scene from the '79 film 'The Deer Hunter', in between filming scenes offset. Thanks for sharing this in-depth research that finally clarifies his final hours & hopefully finally puts the lies & rumours to rest.

[@lynnhathaway3755]

The Russian Roulette story circulated around the U.S. as well.

[@albosmum5210]

We did get Cover-Up here in Australia. I was a fan and clearly remember the theme song. I was devastated when I heard of his death. He was only 3 years older than me.

[@SY-ok2dq]

​@@albosmum5210 Holding Out For a Hero sung by Bonnie Tyler, wasn't it? I used to watch the show too, and I remember being shocked by the news of his death. His brother did an interview for 60 Minutes. You could see they were related. I remember watching some episodes with the Australian actor who stepped in after Hexum's death. I only learned a few years ago that the Australian actor (sorry, can't remember his name) was gay, and that he died at a relatively young age. I think it might have been AIDS but I can't remember now. Very sad.

[@vannaty7]

I was just a little girl of 10, when this happened. I remember getting Jon mixed up with Werewolf star, John J. York. This death reminds me so much of actor Brandon Lee, both gone too soon ❤

[@suzimajor9532]

THIS WAS REALLY WELL DONE. The amount of research that was obviously put into this is impressive. This was my first time watching this channel and lord willing it won’t be my last..I subscribed.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks so much!!

[@Ddrhl]

When I heard the news, I recall thinking that it wasn't even possible. After some gun education years later, I learned that a gun is always loaded, safety off, with live ammo...no matter what YOU think its state...even if you are the only one who has ever touched it and "you're sure" it's safe.

[@samanthamcgahan2066]

My first movie star crush!! He was so dreamy!! ❤❤❤

[@jomama5186]

I can't believe they went back to work, like no big deal. How sick !!!

[@docsavage-8616]

There's an Old Saying in Hollywood-The Show Must Go On.

[@MegaMagicdog]

Not surprised. I remember a story told by actor Sean Kanan (probably best known as Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid 3) and his story of how he fell ill and had surgery. He had barely been cast in his KK3 role and he mentioned Hollywood is not about sending you flowers or waiting for you to get better. The powers that be at the studio were ready to recast if he couldn't get on set in time for his first day of shooting. He still had stitches in him when he appears in his first scenes! They call it "show BUSINESS" for a reason. Still happens now sadly.

[@lilypagan4019]

@@docsavage-8616 That's Disgusting! No morales! smdh!

[@SY-ok2dq]

​@@MegaMagicdog There are filming schedules and a lot of planning goes into these things, especially for T.V. shows which are on tighter schedules and have to pump out a new episode once or more a week. Hence why T.V. soaps will regularly shoot episodes with a substitute actor playing the role of an ongoing character, and have an announcement at the beginning along the lines of: "actor X will be playing the role of character Y today". I always found this so ridiculous when I was a kid but daytime soaps have to do a lot of filming during the week and have daily episodes so it's a necessity in order to get the already-written scripts filmed on schedule. T.V. productions are mostly shot on studio lots and sets, but film productions usually use locations and those have to be booked in advance and are available only for a certain time period. So if there are delays with an actor, that actor might have to be replaced, unless the actor is a big enough star that they are willing to adjust the schedule or hold off on filming.

[@SY-ok2dq]

A T.V. show like that involves a lot of money and legal commitments (e.g. contracts with actors and networks and so on) and there are a whole lot of people whose monthly paychecks ride on the T.V. show and whether it will continue. When a show is cancelled abruptly, there will bw a lot of people out of work all of a sudden, who then need to scramble to find employment - everyone from the main actors to supporting cast members, to camera and equipment workers, to hair and makeup, stunt people and stand-ins, props and costumes, through to catering services. The show had been modestly successful ul to that point, so I imagine that a lot of the staff working on it felt confident that they'd have their jobs for at least the whole run of the 1st season, and that it was likely to get renewed for another season. But with Hexum's death, many were probably concerned over their next few months of paychecks.

[@bopeep86]

I remember him very well! I was 16, and he was the ONLY guy hanging in my locker, his face, and chest up. His eyes, his voice, his big manly body was my type! I was devastated when I heard the news. Awful. And what a loss for all of us. And it goes without saying, his family. ❤

[@brober]

As a 11 yo I idolized Jon Erix Hexum in Voyagers. When he died I cried for days. Miss ya Phineas.

[@xavierminchello8431]

DAMN, TALK ABOUT DRAMA!

[@Rawalpindiii]

He died in which year

[@Tornado1994]

@@Rawalpindiii He died October 18,1984. This single was playing on the Radio when he died: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqqohpujor-ch80

[@Molly_Belle]

@@Rawalpindiii1984

[@andiincali.4663]

This is one of the most horrible deaths I ever heard of! 😲 His poor girlfriend. 🙍🏼‍♀

[@maggiegarber246]

I remember the actor/incident because I was in my early 30’s and I thought he was very attractive, even thought I was older than he.

[@jasonscott8265]

He was my first crush. I remember being devastated when I heard about his death. To this day I honestly believe that he is one of the most beautiful men to ever grace Hollywood. I still smile when I think about how excited I would get when it was time for his show to come on tv

[@jasonscott8265]

Voyagers. And then there was that tv movie.. Making of a Male Model

[@azvascos7542]

I was 12 and totally in love with him. I loved this show because of him, it was devastating how he died. I didn't know who he was dating EG Daily, love her in Valley Girl. Well made video, far better than so many, actual facts and story and not fluff. Well done!

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks for the kind words!!

[@Tornado1994]

Yes, Tommy Pickles.

[@clairefisher3132]

I have always loved her. The first time I saw her was in Streets of Fire. She had such a unique voice and I thought she was so pretty and cute too. She still looks amazing too! I never knew they were dating when he passed away.

[@richardlee2642]

@@clairefisher3132 In 1985, E.G. Daily charted with “Say It, Say It.” I read that it is her voice in the theme song for Cover Up.

[@Tornado1994]

@@clairefisher3132 They were going to marry in 1985. That's how CLOSE and how much they were in love with each other(They were STEADY). Hexum's Death DEV ASTATED Elizabeth Daily. She REALLY took it Hard.

[@DanaDesmond-BonnySoulDesigns]

Jon-Erik was my first teenage celebrity crush. I was devastated when he died. I even wrote about it in my diary.

[@auntiem873]

I’m so glad you did this. It seemed to me at the time and over the years that people had forgotten this whole Incident. Like if they didn’t say his name, they could deny that it even happened. Brandon Lee had so much coverage for doing the same thing and at no time was Jon ever mentioned. Then with Alex Baldwin’s movie incident I again thought people would mention Jon. Nope, but they brought up Brandon Lee’s. Jon’s Death brought a lot of changes to prop gun handling and yet He seems to be forgotten. That’s just so sad. So thank you for mentioning him and the changes in TV and Movies because of this accident.

[@kidgrebo1]

All three of the deaths you mentioned were sad and tragic. The main difference is Jon was playing around with it during down time. That could be a reason he's not brought up much.

[@auntiem873]

@@kidgrebo1 - so did Brandon. He was playing with the gun he was suppose to shot with and he was telling someone that “blanks are no big deal, see I’ll show you” and put it to his head and fired. I would call that playing around.

[@lynneshively3790]

Brandon Lee was shot by a prop gun but he did not shoot it. One of the actors did. Said it will haunt him forever.

[@auntiem873]

@@lynneshively3790 - that’s not what I heard. I heard he was the one holding it.

[@AgentStargrave]

​@@auntiem873You heard wrong.

[@TT_1221]

Even as an 11 year old kid watching the show in '84 I thought it crude that he was recast within days. A fact of life - all too often it's only about money. I also remember him from Voyagers (82-83), I still remember watching that in a friends house one Saturday afternoon and thinking it was the best show ever! 😁 Happy memories and not a bad legacy!

[@hannahsdrawings8664]

Something was thoroughly planned there.

[@baylorsailor]

He was a beautiful man and great actor from what I have seen. It's nice to know that he was able to donate so many organs to people in need. In a way, he continues to live on through those children who are probably still around today.

[@Gingerwalker.]

Very well done video. Thank you for the clarity. It is extra sad to hear about what a down to earth, decent guy he was. That along with the absolute physical perfection, he was also a good person. I've always wondered what more he had to bring to the world. What roles he would of played vs other actors doing them. We will never know. It is also ridiculous that a filming day should be dragged out that long. I know it is selfish, but I have always felt personally robbed somehow by his and Brandon Lee's deaths. They had so much more to share. My heart has always gone out to his family, friends and the crew. It still does. Rest well JEH.

[@gypsy698]

It was VERY upsetting when I was told about his passing and the circumstances. I had a HUGE crush on him and I just burst into tears. I always wondered how his career would've turned out had he lived. I guess we'll never know. Very sad. 😪

[@michellegussow]

This was actually the second time that producer Glen Larson had to deal with something like this as he was the executive producer for "Alias: Smith and Jones." He apparently learned his lesson, though, about bringing in a different actor to play the same character as it had not gone too well when he brought in Roger Davis to play the role that Pete Duel had originated.

[@MegaMagicdog]

That was an entirely different circumstance. Duel's death didn't happen on set or was related to his work. I know the record of his passing was suicide, but I had heard rumors his girlfriend knew more than she was telling.

[@toddanthony6664]

@@MegaMagicdog Different circumstances but like Jon-Erik Hexum, Pete Duel also put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger

[@MegaMagicdog]

@@toddanthony6664 I have my doubts about that. The circumstances were odd (his girlfriend's alibi was shaky) and he had a lot to live for. He was planning on making the transition to the big screen, so I don't think he was looking to off himself.

[@toddanthony6664]

@@MegaMagicdog Do you think she shot him?

[@MegaMagicdog]

@@toddanthony6664 The thought had crossed my mind. It's like George Reeves' "suicide". It was murder. It was covered up for some reason, but it definitely wasn't suicide.

[@misillington5160]

Thank you. I remember him fondly. He was a bright star. Gone too soon.

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

Such a sad, sad happening… I remember when it happened… I also was a very good friend to his replacement Tony Hamilton, who is an amazing man, the greatest, most humble person you could ever meet and funny, and he was a close friend of mine I shall never forget him, unfortunatelywe lost him to AIDS, may both of their souls rest in peace

[@windstorm1000]

So good looking but also an expressive fine actor great screen presence

[@patriot6285]

Wow, I always wondered what really happened. You did a great job detailing out the whole thing.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks very much for the kind words!!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheSuperZufan]

Thank you for doing this. I absolutely loved John Eric Hexum. I’m glad you’re remembering him and clearing up what happened to him. Has he lived, I’m certain he would have become an icon in entertainment. By the way, this was very well written, researched and presented. You don’t find this level of reporting on KZbin very often. So, I appreciate all the work you put into this.

[@andiincali.4663]

Wait a minute so the movie company denied culpability?! That prop gun should not have been in his hands to joke around with in the first place, it most certainly should not have been allowed off the set loaded with a projectile of any kind! Smh. Is an actor required to be certified in handling firearms, to play a role like this? If not they should be.

[@susanb2015]

Three people were killed filming the Twilight Zone Movie. Two were children. Two were decapitated. The director was acquitted of everything.

[@mjfisher1199]

I was a tween and madly in love with this beautiful man. Those eyes! I remember my mom breaking the news after reading it in the newspaper. I remember just in shock. It was a lot at a young age to comprehend. RIP

[@Nellsbells79]

Same here. I cried for months. I was 12 years old 💔

[@pagethreemodel]

​@Nellsbells79 that's sad. He didn't know you who were.

[@anitablakeedgington]

I had totally forgotten about this. I remember watching this show and thinking it really weird when they just up and changed characters like that. I was too young to follow the news so I didn’t realize until later what had actually happened. Anyway, keep up the great work! History is fun to learn and so much of it is just forgotten to time. You’ve definitely got a subscriber in me.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks soooo much for your kind words and support!

[@dianalanyi4788]

So sad😢RIP Jon Erik

[@woofy60]

he is the original Ken doll face.. so iconic look..

[@Nellsbells79]

I cried for months when he passed. I was a young teen and had the worst crush on him. I still get sad when his name comes up. What a beautiful man. I’m sure he would’ve reached major stardom.

[@KasumiKenshirou]

I watched an episode of Voyagers a while ago, and Hexum's character gives a speech about how much he hates guns. It was eerie in retrospect.

[@rocker76m88]

I had such a crush on him. What a sad turn of events.

[@normanheilig3425]

I used to watch Jon-Erik Hexum on Voyager reruns and I recently watched him on cover-up so sad he died a year before I was born. We love you Jon.

[@merricat3025]

My cats name is Phineas.

[@surf101-]

Sounds like Brandon Lee and Alec Baldwin's cases as well.

[@constancegomez351]

Yes a set up

[@MegaMagicdog]

There was never any reason for live ammo to be on set! Period!

[@Crazycoyote-we7ey]

Brandon Lee was a Squib round in the Barrel A bullet still on the Barrel A fully loaded blank pushed the bullet out killing Brandon Adam Baldwin was totally Firearm Neglect

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@@Crazycoyote-we7ey Suuuurrreeee

[@carlpacheco2058]

He was gorgeous

[@kimloanf2022]

I remember him ,the most beautiful man after Brad Pitt , too bad that he died young ,he so handsome ,all the girl ❤his beauty at the time

[@Molly_Belle]

Brad Pitt has nothing on Jon Erik Hexum. ❤

[@carolynm8421]

I was just a kid back then but I do remember this. It was just a shocking thing to everyone how this could happen to this young man with everything ahead of him. So very sad but he went on to give such wonderful gifts to strangers who have him to thank for a better life. This was a wake up call in Hollywood, and especially actors, to think carefully about any situation when a gun was on set. Until it happened again more recently. RIP Mr. Hexum and Halyna Hutchins.

[@spenfor1598]

I watched Cover Up of course because of Jon- Erik!! When this happened it was so shocking and I had the same feeling I had when Freddie Prinze shot himself!!! It was so sad and both so young with a lifetime ahead of them!! RIP Jon-Erik and Freddie!! 💖

[@nanasewdear]

I remember this clearly. Jon-Erik Hexum and I were born in the same year. It seems that the film industry has learned very little in the last 40 years and is still beholden to the whims of the firearms industry. While they are on strike, the actors and writers should demand stringent safety measures including sfx for all gun play.

[@MegaMagicdog]

Actually, since the death of Brandon Lee, sets are required to have an armorer on set even when working with blanks and as in the 80s, normally, prop guns and blanks would be back with them, not the actor when not in use. What happened with Alex Baldwin is suspicious on many levels, as there was no need for live rounds to be on set at all!

[@sarahbelle6069]

What a gorgeous & handsome man we was ❤

[@nawlinsdawg]

This is one of the best-researched stories I’ve seen on this subject! I did the interview with Bob Shayne on the fan site you mentioned, and also interviewed the assistant camera man, Sven Walnum. You brought up what I believe was the reason Jon-Erik was so careless with the gun: he believed the bullets he was using that day were dummy blanks, i.e., non-denotating-as the gun wasn’t required to be fired in the scene. Industry protocol requires that dummy rounds be used in scenes in which a gun isn’t fired. The propmaster had apparently left one or more live blanks in the chamber from the previously shot scene on the beach. One minor correction: the photo of the woman identified as Gretha Hexum was not Gretha Hexum. Another fan site incorrectly identified her as Gretha because she happened to be riding in a car with him at the time the photos were taken. You can find a photo of the actual Gretha Hexum in the Mysteries & Scandals episode you used for some of the other footage.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thank you for your comments! You have a great site! I personally wonder if JEH actually squeezed the blanks with the pliers for the scene (as shown in the master shot), rendering them defective somehow. Just speculation on my part. Thanks again!

[@LadyKC67]

You’re probably referring to my site, Tenafly Guy. We were incorrectly told by someone who claimed to know Jon-Erik that the woman was Gretha. We’ve since learned the guy was a liar and a fraud and we are aware it’s not her. I *think* I have corrected it but if I haven’t, I will. I have been dealing with health issues that have given me brain fog and it’s been nearly impossible to concentrate long enough to work on my website. There’s so much more I want to post and haven’t been able to. We’re trying to correct the issue so hopefully I’ll be back in the near future. 🤞 My apologies to anyone who thought that was Gretha.

[@MacMc691]

I think I was around fourteen when all this happened. I had watched Voyagers for the short time it was on and almost immediately became a fan of Hexum's. So when Cover Up came out, I started to watch it as well. I remember seeing his death announced on one of the nightly news channels, then not long after, it was all over the magazines, obviously we didn't have the internet back then, so it was the news, magazines and newspapers that we mostly relied on. This guy was an up-and-coming star, it's a shame what happened to him.

[@ines3377]

Never heard of this actor, a bit before my time, but my God😮… probably one of the most handsome men I think I’ve seen in my life. Chisseled features, head to toe. What a tragic death. Yet another message to all budding actors; please don’t fool around with prop weapons. 😢💔

[@dmr8914]

I remember the news about his death. I had such a crush on this guy. Handsome, tough, successful - such a loss of a lovely an.

[@SemiDad]

“Bogg is dead” the words I’ll never forget from my GF’s 6 year old brother 😢

[@Marc816]

He knew less than nothing about the safe handling of firearms. I think that he accidently died because when he was playing around with that gun, I think that it was a big revolver, a .44 Magnum, he did not know that even that it was loaded with blanks, the muzzle blast, at point blank range, would be almost as powerful as live ammunition. Consequently, this discharge of that handgun, even though there was no actual bullet involved, had enough power to cave in the side of his skull when he pointed the gun at his head and pulled the trigger.

[@bredajbergin8387]

Actually loved it. He was an actor full of potential, and promise. What a shame he passed so young.

[@bindi06]

I was a teenager when this happened. I thought Jon was such a beautiful man and at the time of his death, Chicago released the song Hard Habit to Break. To this day, whenever I hear that song, I’m reminded of Jon. He could’ve had a great movie career. RIP.

[@dlamancha5697]

Yep, called it. There was a settlement out of court to the Hexum's according to this.

[@ginnydoll0703]

I loved his shows Voyager & Cover-Up. Not only was Jon-Eric Hexum gorgeous, he was a good actor. I was a teen when he died. I was devasted when it happened.

[@johnhinkle6768]

I remember that day so well! I am still devastated at his passing. RIP Jon-Eric 😢

[@Sable30]

I never knew a blank had gunpowder in it. This is a really sad story and I’m surprised I never heard about it. Thanks for explaining how the whole thing played out. You’re a good storyteller.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks very much!

[@annenelson5656]

I remember hearing about it almost the next day. There was no cover-up

[@johngomes4278]

Very sad , he was a good guy

[@fionap19]

Loved that series. I remember the shock when the accident happened. It was so sad and never the same after. I still remember it fondly

[@ranc1977]

In his movie with Joan Collins, there is a final scene where Joan Collins' character prophetically states that showbusiness industry is dangerous and her character did not want to persuade him into keeping the career into it due to that reason.

[@lotstodo]

He was a handsome man. I remember this happening. Tragic.

[@huckbarry579]

I remember him back when I was a teenager very handsome guy. Sad!!

[@PocketMarmo04]

Beautiful man.

[@jamesmathews243]

I remember this as a kid. I was really in to Cover Up and couldn't understand why Mac was replaced by Jack. I had a hard time watching this video.

[@MegaMagicdog]

When I first heard the reports early Saturday morning, I was watching the local morning news (there were graphics on screen while an announcer read the script). At that point, Hexum's death had not been announced and he'd been hospitalized. I had hoped for the best but it wasn't long before his death was confirmed. It truly was a loss in many ways, especially for his family and loved ones. I remember Meeno Peluce (his costar from Voyagers) had stated in at least one interview that Hexum would NEVER have committed suicide and it didn't make sense that he would be so careless with even a prop gun. He disputed the official story of Hexum putting the gun to his head like that. I do think he had a big screen career ahead of him - he was in the film, "The Bear" (the story of legendary coach Bear Bryant) in a small role as one of the football players. The movie unfortunately was panned at the time and anything else regarding his career was now under the bridge. I still think there's more to this story.

[@tvsbesteps]

There is! podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dark-tube-tvs-wicked-history/id1620587695

[@johndalton3180]

Come on dude. There were 40 witnesses. It was a terrible accident.

[@elizabethhuie563]

I remember when this happened. It was so sad. He has such a promising future ahead for him.

[@jerrybaba2]

Thanks for your coverage. I have always found Ms. Daly to be so real and sweet, it is gratifying to know that Jon found her, I'm sure that she was just what he needed and vice versa. He was a perfect specimen whose light shined beyond his beauty, I thank God that as an artist I never miss these creatures both male and female, to me it is inspiring to know that such beauty can exist within the human form and witness how they move and interact with life. Unfortunately, that life is often short-lived as if such perfection is not supported by this world.

[@michellemarrison4397]

I loved him and his work, he went to school at our college and worked at local radio station.

[@babarazamsucks]

Just recently thought of famous actors who have died on the set like I have in the past and then discovered this a day before my birthday.

[@tanyakelly1260]

I had such a crush on John Erick Hexum. I was sad when I found out he died. I never got a chance to meet this sexy man. R.I.P.

[@korger1481]

I know. I remembered and felt such great sadness. 😢

[@user-kt9ir6bo8z]

Great story; very interesting. I remember when this happened. So sad…😢

[@SPEEDPAINTER1]

I met Jon-Erik Hexum at Universal Studios in the late summer of 1984 at a fan event not long before he died in October. My mom took a picture of me with him, and he talked to me about Voyagers (I was a huge fan of the show). It was my first celebrity meet. When he died, I was only 9 years old, and I didnt have much of a concept of what death was. My mother and father explained to me that Jon had died. They had to explain death. They had to school me on what had happened to him. I was traumatized by it because I had just met him and spoke with him a couple months before. That picture was on my desk and remained there for many years. Unfortunately, I lost it at school a couple years later. But I never forgot the meeting. His death was my first experience with it, and it's burned in my memory.

[@hannahsdrawings8664]

Those who plot to murder Jon-Erik and keep the most silly story going on did it only to save life of some Las Vegas disgusting pimp.

[@Curiamacabre]

Had the biggest crush on him, OMG!!

[@bernardcohen3245]

Note to self don’t put loaded gun to temple even if loaded with gunpowder blanks

[@odalisgonzalez6875]

Jon was stunning..they could at least get his name correctly..they worked with him after all

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I love this channel. I was a latchkey kid who was basically raised by television.

[@tvsbesteps]

Thanks!

[@LuckyPierre789]

I was 19 yo. His manager had picked me up that night. I’ll never forget it.

[@johndalton3180]

"Picked you up?" What do you mean?

[@lorio5003]

i think i remember the "i need a hero" song intro. i didn't realize the series was struggling so early. i was a fan. i remember hearing about his loss

[@sharrigarvin3348]

He would have been a Mega Star!!!

[@patriot6285]

Shortening a gun barrel from 7" to 2 1/2" WOULD NOT reduce the recoil, it would INCREASE the recoil. Yes, it should give more of a muzzle flash. Those "snub-nosed" revolvers are punishing to shoot BECAUSE of the recoil.

[@tylerlcollins1260]

They told us about this in my hunters safety class

[@tvsbesteps]

It’s a good lesson to be sure.

[@darkenergy410]

they teach u not to put a gun to yer head? that common sense

[@kateruterbories2692]

I was 14 when this happened. I had a poster of him on my wall, right next to Duran Duran. Never forgot about him and thought of this often over the years.